Mgr Scicluna’s coat of arms.

A bucking white horse with a crescent moon and golden rose on a red background is the coat of arms chosen by Mgr Charles Scicluna, who will be ordained Auxiliary Bishop on Saturday.

The coat of arms was inspired by the heraldic shield of the Scicluna family that has a rearing horse and a silver or white moon, according to Fr Jesmond Manicaro, the Archbishop’s delegate for the liturgy.

Mgr Scicluna decided to add a gold rose, surrounded by green leaves, to his coat of arms.

The icons have a religious meaning. The red background is a reference to the mantle of Jesus Christ that was soaked with blood during the Passion. The white horse revisits the vision John the Apostle had about Christ where, according to the Bible, “I saw the heavens open and there was a white horse”, Fr Manicaro explained yesterday during a press conference.

The crescent moon is a symbol of stability mentioned in Psalm 72: “Let the mountains bring peace to the people, and the hills, in righteousness. May he vindicate the afflicted of the people, save the children of the needy, and crush the oppressor. Let them fear you while the sun endures, as long as the moon, throughout all generations.”

Meanwhile, the golden rose “reminds us of another image of the Virgin Mary”, Fr Manicaro explained.

The Latin motto below the coat of arms is Fidelis et Verax, which means faithful and true.

This quote was taken from the Book of Revelation and was the title given to the rider of the white horse, who was Jesus Christ. “Christians see the Good Shepherd as true to his word who would not mislead his flock. The bishop is chosen from the flock to be a shepherd like Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd who is faithful and true,” he said.

Mgr Scicluna yesterday celebrated Mass at the St Sebastian parish in Qormi, his hometown, where he was cheered by the children of the village, as events to celebrate his episcopal ordination kicked off.

He told the children, many of whom were waving papal flags, to cherish the teachings of Christ and urged them to learn as much as possible about the martyr St Sebastian, who was a big influence on his life.

He also urged them to obey the people who loved them most in their lives, their parents.

The children asked Mgr Scicluna about his childhood days which he recalled fondly, especially his days in the Legion of Mary and the church’s choir.